The Allahabad High Court has heard the plea of SP MP Zia Ur Rahman Barq, the main accused in the Sambhal violence incident. Scheduled for a hearing on January 2nd, Barq seeks the cancellation of the FIR filed against him, along with a plea to prevent his arrest. Sources indicate the Sambhal police are likely to oppose his application, presenting evidence in court against him.
The police accuse SP MP Barq of delivering incendiary speeches that triggered the violence during a survey at Shahi Jama Masjid. In his court petition, Barq cites his status as an MP and an educated individual, providing several arguments disassociating himself from the violence, urging the dismissal of his FIR.
MP Barq contends he was not in Uttar Pradesh when the violence ensued; he was in Bengaluru at that period. He claims the FIR was filed under a political conspiracy. The violence erupted on November 24 during a local court-ordered survey at the Shahi Jama Masjid, leading to four fatalities and injuries to about two dozen individuals, including police personnel and officers.
Source: aajtak
Notably, SP MP Barq faces accusations of electricity theft. The electricity department fined him 1 crore 91 lakh rupees, filing an FIR against him. Recently, a team from the electricity department, accompanied by heavy police forces, visited Barq's residence. Following an investigation, discrepancies were found in the meters, and new smart meters were installed.
Evidence of meter tampering was discovered in two meters at his residence; the electricity bill showed zero readings. An electricity theft case was filed against Barq, along with charges against his associates for threatening electricity department officials. This led to a separate case against Barq's father, who allegedly made intimidating remarks towards the officials.
